Customer Reviews
Basic Digital 8 with Sony Quality 
2007-10-25
We bought this just to have access to our old digital 8 tapes after our other more featured but outdated Sony failed. We therefore wanted a low cost camcorder. This camera nicely meets that need
Not what's pictured - still 
2007-10-22
If you think that you'll get what is pictured on this page (the camera bag, extra battery and tapes, etc), forget it. It is nearly a month since I returned this item because I did not receive what was pictured, and the FALSE picture is still up on Amazon's website. Customer 'service' excused this false representation by saying that you always have to carefully read the written description of the product you're buying, not rely on the photo. If that is so, why do they have photos at all? This totally defies the building of trust for online buying. Also, even though Amazon received this product back on October 1st, 2007, they have still not as of today refunded the purchase price to my credit card. Once I do finally get my refund posted to my credit card, I am going to cancel my Amazon account of nearly 8 years. Everything about Amazon has gone down hill as it has gotten bigger. There are other places to buy everything they offer, and in most cases the prices are lower and the service is better, and now it would seem as well, the items are more accurately represented. Although Amazon has not removed the false picture of the merchandise yet, lets see if they remove this post.
Nice camera 2007-09-27
Given that I've not used the camera a lot, yet, it seems to be very good--nice picture quality, especially in low light. I like the large viewscreen, but find the on/off slide button a bit badly placed ergonomically. It's heavier than I expected and given that I have small hands, sometimes it's too cumbersome.
I've only downloaded once to my computer and while it went fairly smoothly (though not as "transparent" as I would have preferred), the playback was jerky. That's part of the reason I haven't been using it much... I guess you could say I'm a bit too hassled right now to try to figure out why. I don't doubt there's an easy solution.
For the price, it's a good camera, but if you want something light and easily handled, I'd recommend going with something else.
Great Deal 
2007-09-07
I finally gave up on my old Video camera since I can't buy batteries for it any more, and bought this Handycam. (Comsumer Report liked it, I listen to them) It is easy to use and has nice pictures. Very good price too. I like Amazon, they deliver fast and have everything I could ever be needing. I always look here first and find it fast. Thanks, Mossy
Affordable GREAT camcorder 2007-08-23
great camcorder for the price! Rated "best buy" by Consumer Reports and it is. Great pictures, average sound and no remote. Please note, you cannot play tapes recorded on older 8mm camcorders.
Mediocre - Average - Just OK (Picture very grainy in low light) 
2008-06-17
I'm not sure why the ratings are so high on this camera [...]. Perhaps because the camera is pretty ok, for home-use only outdoors. I am on this site searching for a new camera because I produce online television shows, as a hobby. My budget is low, so I need an affordable camera (under $500), with professional-quality video. If such a thing exists. The Sony DCR-TRV280 IS NOT IT!
I've tried all sorts of tricks and can't get rid of the grainy (webcam) quality, nor the poor color in normal indoor lighting situations. The sound is just ok. For me, there is NOTHING spectacular about this camera, especially if you want to use it for more than just webcam or basic home video purposes.
Once unplugged, the battery life is short (2 hours, tops!) for the battery that comes with the camera. I suppose this could be addressed by purchasing a larger battery.
I am of normal female strength. After a while, my hands and arms are shaking from holding the camera. Something lighter is ideal, otherwise dont forget the tripod.
I do like the connections on this camera, except no jacks for headphones or mic. And no accessory jack either. The light is cute as an extra, but not very powerful. Wish it had more connections and features.
[...]
Digital 8 is still best for money 2008-04-21
Picture quality is great! It downloads easily to computer. It may take longer than the newer digital memory recorders but you can still get this for a great price and in many cases the picture is better than the new hard drive models.
Sony DCR-TRV280 camcorder cannot play 8mm video cassettes 
2008-01-21
We purchased a Sony DCR-TRV280 camcorder in hopes of playing our old 8mm videocassettes and capturing them on our computer via its firewire connection. The tapes load into the 280 just fine. It does have firewire output. Unfortunately, it cannot play the original 8mm format. Sony's names for its various 8mm videocassette formats escape me. Perhaps the original 8mm format did not have a name. Anyway, the original is what we have and the 280 cannot play it. So, we're trading in our 280 for a Sony DCR-TRV-460 or -480.
not that good 2007-12-11
This camcorder it's not bad, it came on time. but if you want to playback Hi8 tapes you better get another one cause this one won't play them, it only plays Digital8 tapes.
Lacks one essential (to me) feature 2007-10-28
The camera is fine, but it won't play back video recorded on Sony 8mm. Unfortunately, I specifically needed it to ensure access to my pre-2002 archives. I'm including this info, just to make sure that others like me don't inconvenience the seller.
